A plaque commemorating one of the most famous battles of the English Civil War can be erected on the Town Hall, councillors have agreed.

And it's a good job - because the Battle of Maidstone memorial is already there.

Maidstone council had to give itself a slap on the wrist at a planning meeting on Thursday for failing to abide by its own rules about listed buildings.

A retrospective planning application for the plaque was unanimously approved by councillors.

Chairman Cllr Richard Lusty (Con) said: "The council have treated the planning committee as though they don't exist.

"It just isn't right that we should be ignored and the ordinary members of the public have to jump through all the hoops."

His sentiments were echoed by Cllr John Horne (Con) in an urgent update report which said: "I feel most uncomfortable with this application.

"In the circumstances, members may feel they would wish to defer a decision until the responsible officers of Maidstone council have come to the bar of the house and tendered a full and contrite explanation."

The plaque commemorating the Battle of Maidstone was put up at Maidstone Town Hall, in the High Street, following the 360th anniversary of the event, which was marked with a re-enactment of the clash between the Royalists and Parliamentarians in Gabriel's Hill.